[micsampip]

  Hi again,

sorry to be popping up again so soon but I was wondering if domestic customers ever request other services - i.e. shopping/dry cleaning/house sitting/dog walking/plant watering?

If so, would it be wise to stay away from this sort of work or charge accordingly?

All polite comments are welcome.

Thanks Lisa 

[Lesley]

Hi Lisa

I used to be in dom cleaning and a couple of our customers had cats, they used to ask if I would go in 2x daily to feed and water them, this was, of course, charged separately.  Also, dry cleaning, I used to drop off and collect and shopping as well sometimes!!

All the best

Lesleyx

[micsampip]

  Thanks for that Lesley.

I suppose flexibility is important, more so for domestic cleaning than commercial.

Cheers

Lisa 

[maggie67]

Lisa

Why not, so long as your not throwing them in for free it will all add to your profit at the end of the day. Needs & circumstances change all the time. It is a good thing not to carry all your eggs in one basket.

It seems that everyone is so pushed for time these days that you may find that these other services may even take over or exceed the demand for domestic cleaning.

It's great to be open-minded in business!

Regards

Maggie

[micsampip]

  Thanks Maggie - I will keep my options open.

You seem quite experienced in the cleaning business, can I ask when you started and how well you have done in terms of expansion and getting work. Do you have many employees?

I hope this isn't too nosy I just like success stories they're very motivating!!

Thanks Lisa 

[Jan K]

Hi Lisa!

I am in the dom cleaning bus at mo and one of my most recent Clients has asked if I would drop off and pick up some dry cleaning and also buy cut flowers. Must say the buying of the flowers is one of my more pleasant duties!. Not much cop at arranging them but I do my best 

[micsampip]

  Thanks for all your advice.

I wouldn't mind doing any of these things but I wonder how it would work if an employee was asked to do them. He/she might feel put upon if the tasks fall outside their contract and hours and how would it affect insurance?

Any comments welcome.

Lisa 

[Tim Downer]

Lisa, if you were to go to the local Tesco / Sainsbury to get the flowers for example....that isnt a problem as you are not on an hourly rate and you will have come to some arrangement with the client to go and get them.
However, if you sent an employee to go and get the flowers, they will be wanting paid on the same rate as for cleaning. Would it be worthwhile??
Unless you can to an arrangement with the employee with another cheaper means of paying them....i.e an extra hour per week paid, or to finish early one day??

Just a couple of ideas, as i am not in your line of work.

Kind Regards

Tim

[micsampip]

  I can see that it could get messy. The employee might not always be willing and the client might take advantage.

I was hoping to set out a written agreement with the client stating exactly what he/she wants cleaning. This way the employee knows what they've got to do and so does the client. It would also help when bringing someone in to cover for holidays or sickness.

Regards

Lisa 

[Len Gribble]

Lisa

Bit confused you have not done demarcation lines!

Len

[Jan K]

Ah well it works out ok for me with the flowers/dry cleaning bit, as I do both at my local supermarket and then meet my lady who does the cleaning (who happens to be a friend, lives round the corner from me and whose kids go to the same school as mine) before the clean outside the school and give her the flowers and dcleaning to take along to the clean. It's just a convenience arrangement for us at present, but if I was around the Clients way I would drop in and that would also give me a chance to spot check and meet with the Client, killing 3 birds with 1 stone!!

[micsampip]

  It sounds like a good sideline. Maybe you could have a dedicated employee if this errand service side grows!

Len can you be more specific?

Regards

Lisa 

[Len Gribble]

Lisa

Only comenting on you said “I was hoping to set out a written agreement with the client stating exactly what he/she wants cleaning. This way the employee knows what they've got to do and so does the client.”

That’s why I’m confused!

Len

[micsampip]

  Hi Len,

Basically, I would discuss with the client exactly what his/her cleaning requirements are - write it all down and have him/her sign the agreement.

Myself, the employee and the client would all have a copy of this agreement. This would hopefully alleviate any discrepancies or disagreements about what has to be cleaned.

It will also be useful whenever someone has to cover for sickness or holidays - as all the cleaning requirements are written down.

This is what I meant originally, I hope I've made it a bit clearer. There is a tendancy to type as you think on this forum and it doesn't always make sense to everyone else!!

Regards

Lisa 

[Len Gribble]

Lisa

No problem, and all the best, but watch out for customers, they can be liberty takers as I see this a lot in my cc business can you go over this rug then pull out five of them!

Len

[HolmansUKLTD]

Usally get asked to rehang curtians from my older customers

[strakercleaning]

Had one yesterday................Israeli lady quoted for cleaning of 3 carpets, 5 small rugs and 3 prs ctns insitu.
Arrived and started job, then asked to 'spruce up' 6 dining chairs, 10 lampshades, 2 footstools and 1 bedroom chair. All in little requests one or two at a time.
Cunning old girl had cheque for original quote already written out so i could not add any extra items to invoice. If job had not been £500+ then i would have sent her add on bill in the post.
I know for the next visit, added all items to original survey notes for future reference. 
ps. Nick, Thanks for name drop in signature, i am flattered. . Should yours not read:  Surreys No1 dart player and user.............sebo boy.

[Len Gribble]

I see I’m not alone one need, to add to there data base Mickey takers!

Len